clatter

[ klat-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a loud, rattling sound, as that produced by hard objects striking rapidly one against the other:

   The shutters clattered in the wind.

2. to move rapidly with such a sound:

   The iron-wheeled cart clattered down the street.

3. to talk fast and noisily; chatter:

   They clattered on and on about their children.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to clatter:

   clattering the pots and pans in the sink.

noun

1. a rattling noise or series of rattling noises:

   The stagecoach made a terrible clatter going over the wooden bridge.

2. noisy disturbance; din; racket.
3. noisy talk; din of voices:

   They had to shout over the clatter at the cocktail party.

4. idle talk; gossip.

clatter

/ ˈklætə /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a rattling noise, esp as a result of movement
2. intr to chatter

noun

1. a rattling sound or noise
2. a noisy commotion, such as one caused by loud chatter

Derived Forms

• ˈclatteringly, adverb
• ˈclattery, adjective
• ˈclatterer, noun

Other Words From

• clatter·er noun
• clatter·ing·ly adverb
• clatter·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clatter¹

before 1050; Middle English clateren, Old English clatr- (in clatrunge ); cognate with Dutch klateren to rattle; -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of clatter¹

Old English clatrung clattering (gerund); related to Dutch klateren to rattle, German klatschen to smack, Norwegian klattra to knock

Example Sentences

The ensuing clatter would wake him, and he could rescue his inventive ideas before they were lost to the depths of sleep.

From Science News

Suddenly the clatter of a B‑1 bomber overhead shook the earth on which Azeema was pacing.

From Time

But timing is always unpredictable, and all the clatter around the film could have swallowed up I Am Abraham.

From The Daily Beast

Fielding tossed the surgical knife back on his cart with a loud clatter.

From The Daily Beast

The sewing-machine made a resounding clatter in the room; it was of a ponderous, by-gone make.

From Project Gutenberg

The invitation was accepted; and Mr. Bellamy's grand carriage drew up immediately with splash and clatter to the door.

From Project Gutenberg

She went up in the mornings to Madame Lebrun's room, braving the clatter of the old sewing-machine.

From Project Gutenberg

John Tubbs was one day doing his sums, when little Sam Jones pushed against him; and down went the slate with a horrid clatter.

From Project Gutenberg

Gilbert made a great clatter with his knife and fork, to conceal the laugh that he could not repress.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clack